East River Ferries Hit 1 Million Riders, Revealing Locals Like to Frequent the Ferry Too

More than 1 million people have ridden East River ferries since the service began just over a year ago, Mayor Bloomberg announced today. Bloomberg said this number far exceeds ridership projections, according to the Huffington Post. Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn rode the ferry from North Williamsburg to Lower Manhattan to celebrate the occasion. The Post reports the ferries, which quickly transport people to businesses and parks, are not just for tourists. City locals are also partaking in ferry transportation. "Using our waterways as transportation corridors makes for a greener and more livable city and knits together rapidly growing neighborhoods in new ways," Bloomberg said in a statement. The Mayor called it an alternative for people looking for ways to get around the city, and the massive ridership supports this transportation alternative's popularity. "Surpassing the one-million milestone is a testament to how popular our service has been with commuters, tourists and leisure travelers in the first year," said Paul Goodman, CEO of BillyBey Ferry Company. On weekdays, the ferries, which accommodate 149 passengers, run from 6:45 a.m. until 8:45 p.m. in both directions. Numerous groups are working hard to acquire feedback and provide even more improvements to the ferries. One-way fare is $4, while a monthly pass goes for $140. Scenic beauty that doesn't involve dark, cramped tunnels is, of course, priceless. -Alissa Fleck